Philadelphia 76ers November 2016 Recap And Projection

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Dec 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) reacts to his three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Behind the Scenes

So far, the team has been circling the wagons at less then full strength. But that is not to say that the team is not scrappy.

Shooting guard Gerald Henderson has truly stepped in as Mister Dependable, delivering solid performances with each outing. Point guard Jerryd Bayless tried to make a go of it, but his wrist injury wouldn’t allow it. That cameo appearance prompted research into just what the issue is, and what is being done to return Bayless to health.

On the topic of health, ironman Robert Covington has been trying to play through a left knee injury. Eventually, he aggravated the knee to the point where he sat:

Medical update:
Robert Covington suffered a left knee sprain in the fourth quarter of tonight's game and will not return.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 3, 2016

In November, Covington oscillated statistically between nearly invisible to leading the team. That prompted head coach Brett Brown to tap the shoulder of veteran Hollis Thompson, who had a very good November.

More from The Sixer Sense

Finally, the team eagerly anticipates the return of both Nerlens Noel and Ben Simmons. Noel has some work to do to set up for his next NBA contract. And while the team has been evasive about the progress of Simmons so far, there is every reason to expect his return to add to the positive momentum of the team going forward.

This team is winning games, at 80 percent strength. The top player, rookie Joel Embiid, is on load and minutes restrictions. Impressive